Whereas the BC Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations resumed responsibility for the administration of Crown land in the Lower Fraser River estuary from the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority on January 1, 2015; And whereas there have been i significant delays in the issuance of water lot leases, ii restrictions placed on some permitted uses of the water lots, and iii restricted tenures that do not provide the long-term certainty needed for investment; And whereas this situation has created economic uncertainty, halted some significant waterfront development proposals, and hindered local government community revitalization efforts: Therefore be it resolved that the provincial government be requested to implement an expeditious tenure replacement process that provides long-term certainty for leaseholders, provides an effective mechanism for First Nations consultation, and facilitates appropriate waterfront development.
Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations Rural Development The Province and Musqueam First Nation signed a Collaborative Management Agreement in March 2017, which included funding for Musqueam First Nation capacity and implementing stewardship projects. In addition, the agreement includes an engagement process for review and decision authorizations. Ministry staff have been offering long-term replacement tenures throughout this year 134 offered to date and will continue to prioritize the long-term replacements. The replacement process and associated requirements are determined by provincial Crown Land policy. The implementation plan for the Collaborative Management Agreement with Musqueam First Nation is underway, and engagement with other First Nations in the areaincluding Tsawwassen and Cowichanis ongoing. The Province recognises the significance of the Fraser River tenures to the economy and in no way intends to create economic uncertainty.